Mott Bears baseball team has plenty to look forward to next season

View full sizeJoseph Tobianski | The Flint JournalMott's Casey Pashak won MCCAA Defensive Player of the Year honors.

FLINT, Michigan — This season didn't pan out for the Mott Bears baseball team the way coach Shawn Brown anticipated, but there are positives on the horizon for the club nonetheless.

Mott was among favorites to win the MCCAA Eastern Conference, but a late season skid accompanied by undesirable weather took the Bears (14-16, 22-25) out of contention.

However, with new additions slated to join the club next season, Brown can breathe a little easier knowing that more help is on the way.

Mt. Morris standout Chad Reed recently signed a letter of intent and brings a powerful bat which could immediately contribute to the Bears' lineup. The senior has been All-GAC and all-region through four years on varsity. He was All-State last year.

Reed is fresh off breaking the Mt. Morris hitting record of 195 hits — once held by 2007 grad Luke McClain — with five hits in a doubleheader which brought his total to 196. Reed is an efficient infielder and can play shortstop or second base, along with outfield positions.

Departing pitchers Brent Faber (RHP, Airport), David Blalock (RHP, Flushing) and Tyler Hooks (LHP, Clio) leave a significant void to fill in the rotation. Brown scouted two prospects from New Boston Huron High School and has them on the way.

"He was in the (strike) zone and has a very good breakingball and changeup," said Brown of Varcie, whose fastball was clocked as high as 89 mph. "He has a different array of pitches he can throw for strikes."

Brown heard from other scouts that Bowling Green was interested in Varcie but inexplicably stopped pursuit.

"Some people would say we got a steal," Brown said, laughing.

Uveges was clocked in the high 80s, and according to MHSAA reports, is one of the top 50 players in the state. Needless to say, Brown was elated his trip south reaped such benefits.

"I was stunned," he said. "That was a nice trip. We got some jewels."

Casey Pashak wins MCCAA Defensive Player of the Year honors

As a freshman this season, Casey Pashak (Pinconning) made quite a name for himself. He was a mainstay at thirdbase and was recently named the MCCAA Defensive Player of the Year, the Bears' second consecutive after Roger Christensen (Clio) won it last season as a freshman.

"Going back in recent history, since I've been here, he's probably one of the best defensive thirdbasemen we've ever had," said Brown of Pashak. "He's been Mr. Consistent. It was a great luxury to have, especially at that position."